Almost half of London drivers say they have suffered vehicle crime

Almost half of Londoners suffered vehicle crime in the past 12 months. 46% of Londoners reported theft or vandalism, versus 26% nationally. Motorists in towns and city centres had 45% experiencing vehicle crime, compared with 20% in suburbs and 15% in rural postcodes. Urban areas reported 19% vehicle vandalism and 13% theft of possessions, while rural rates were 7% and 2% respectively. London rates reached 20% vandalism and 15% possessions stolen. Other tracked issues included vehicle theft, theft of parts like catalytic converters or wheels, hit-and-run without a note, and vehicle cloning. Concern about theft and vandalism remained high across all areas.

"Just 15% of those in rural postcodes and 20% of people in the suburbs or the outskirts of towns experienced a crime, according to the data. 19% of drivers in urban areas said that their car had been vandalised over the past year, and 13% had possessions stolen from their vehicles - the corresponding rates in rural areas were just 7% and 2% respectively."

"These numbers were higher within the capital, where the figures were 20% and 15%. Other issues that were tracked include vehicle theft, theft of vehicle parts such as catalytic converters, wheels or steering wheels; other motorists failing to leave a note after causing minor damage; and vehicle cloning, where a number plate from one vehicle is illegally used on another. In all cases, London had a higher percentage, while urban areas had figures around double those of the country on the whole."

Read at www.standard.co.uk